Officer Paul Meyer

Paul Meyer was born in Minnesota. He was raised in Northeast Portland and is the oldest of three children. After graduating from Grant High School, He attended The University of Oregon. Paul continued Criminal Justice studies at Portland Community College. Paul Meyer was 22-years-old when he was hired by the Portland Police Bureau in 1992. After working as a street officer, Paul joined the Bureau’s Training Division in 2000. Currently he is the Special Weapons Lead Instructor where serves as the lead Taser, 12 gauge Less Lethal and AR-15 rifle instructor. He also served in the Bureau’s Air Support Unit and the Rapid Response Crowd Control Team. He has been a member of the Bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team since 2004, serving as a sniper.

On the morning of November 19, 2012, Paul was injured while operating a Police Bureau ATV on Portland’s Hayden Island. Along with 5 other officers, Paul was training for various emergency scenarios. Without warning a 110 foot long upper section of a tree split and fell on top of Paul’s head. His fellow officers reacted quickly providing emergency care and also calling 911. Because of the trails remoteness, firetrucks and ambulances were unable to reach the scene. The Portland Firefighters and AMR medics had to transport Paul out on an larger ATV that had a flatbed section. He was then immediately transported by ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital where he underwent surgery to investigate the extent of the damage. He sustained several crushed thoracic vertebrae (T11/12) in his mid and lower back, and some fractured cervical vertebrae in his neck along with extensive soft tissue damage throughout his back. His spine was successfully re-aligned however, Paul is paralyzed from the waist down and will live out the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Paul is beginning the physical rehabilitation process with the love and support from family and friends. Paul recently celebrated his 20 year anniversary with The Portland Police Bureau. Police Chief Mike Reese presented Paul with his 20 year service pin. Paul hopes to return to work at some point. In what capacity, he does not know.

Because of the extensive modifications that need to be made to their current home, making it completely wheelchair accessible, friends have set up this website if you would like to donate. Paul has been married for thirteen years. He and his wife, Mary have two sons, Russell (10) and Matthew (7).
Your thoughts and prayers are needed and much appreciated.